Christmas! What does this season mean?

Around the world, in some way or the other, most of mankind is in touch with this term. Either through the celebration, which mostly involves Santas, Christmas trees, festivities, celebrations, sweets, gifts, etc. But is Christmas really about all this? No. For a born again Christian, Christmas is not any of the above mentioned reasons. The term 'born again' may be new to some of you.

Let me try to explain this term first. In the Bible, (New Testament), in gospel of John 3:3-5 we read about being 'Born Again'.

'Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.'

So what does being born again have to do with Christmas? Another book in the New Testament, Ephesians 2:1,2 says, "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience."

In short, there is no one in the world, who ever lived a life as God wanted. In some or the other way, all are born in sin and by birth are sinful in nature. Even if we tried our best to live a righteous life, we may be successful in portraying such a picture of ours to those around us, our family members, our friends, those who love us most, etc. But, we can never be righteous in the eyes of God. And it is God's desire to see us walk in His righteousness.

That's the reason, why He sent Jesus into the world. He knew that we can never meet His standards, so He Himself paved the Way. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life". That's the truth. That's the love, God our Father, has towards His children.

Jesus came into this world, lived a righteous life, as being God Himself, He was sinless. He suffered on the cross, died for the sins of each one of us. He was buried, but He rose again from the dead, giving us a hope of an everlasting life in Him. Those who believe that they are sinners and can be saved only by this redeeming work of Christ, are saved. Having repented of their sins, they are baptized in water, and by the Holy Spirit, which confirms that they are the redeemed ones of God. Such people are called 'Born Again'.

Having said that, now I can mention the fact about Christmas. For a born again Christian, every day is Christmas. Since the day, that he/she comes to know Christ, Jesus is in his/her life. The person is a new creation in Christ. He/she is no more the old person. Simply by being born into a Christian family, no one is a Christian. Each one needs to have that personal encounter with Christ. And this call is for each individual born in the earth.

For the Bible says in Acts 4:12, "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." Some may argue, may feel uncomfortable with the above statement. But that's the truth, Jesus is the only one who can save us out of the evil that we see all around. But God alone can open our eyes to see and know the greatness of this salvation.

God opened my eyes to realize this truth. As long as we are in the world, with our strength we cannot realize our state, as we do not consider all that we do, think, desire about as evil. But most of it is, in God's eyes. Do you find yourself in such a state? Christ is the only answer.

This Christmas, if you want Christ to be part of your life, ask Him to change your life forever. He's faithful to make each day of your life a Christmas. If you have any questions, or would like to know more, please feel free to ask. Your comments too will be cherished. May you all have a blessed time ahead.

Note: All Bible references from NASB translation.

Salvation, an ongoing process.

For many of us, being saved, is just a one time experience. We fail to realize that salvation is not something that happens to you and you are transformed all of a sudden, forever. Salvation is not magic! It is an ongoing process. We have to move on, work towards the growth of salvation in our lives; rather than we working let God work in our lives. We read about it in Philippians 2:12,13 "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose".
Over the last few years, I've observed this transformation in my life, as well as many of my brothers and sisters in Christ. Since the day, when I had a personal encounter with Christ, to this day, it has been a learning curve, which keeps on progressing. If we find ourselves in the same place we began, when we realized His call in our lives, there is something seriously wrong. We need to examine our lives. We need to make our calling and election sure. As Peter states in 2 Peter 1:10 "Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure".
We may not realize how important it is to grow deeper in our relationship with Christ, but it is important to note that without doing so, we will never see a complete accomplishment of the Almighty's plan in our lives. We will never be able to reach our goal. It is necessary that we realize the importance of sanctification. The word of God makes it very clear that without being sanctified, we will never be in His presence. Hebrews 12: 14 says, "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Of course, that doesn't mean that we need to work too hard towards it. Everything required for our salvation is given to us in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross. We are sanctified by His work. But, we should remember, that we are always being made perfect in Him, being made holy. Let us remember this always, and submit ourselves to His grace and let the Holy Spirit work in our lives towards the accomplishment of the plans and purpose that the Lord Almighty has planned for each one of us. Hallelujah!